The President of the Liberia National Bar Association (LNBA) Cllr. Tiawon Saye Gongloe has challenged the young people of Liberia to set the bar for themselves on being good leadership that will positively impact the overall socio-economic development of the country and stressed that education is key to drive the process.
Cllr. Gongloe made the assertion last Friday, July 23, 2021 when he delivered the keynote address at the commencement program of the Young African Leadership Development Institute (YALDI) held at the Monrovia Vocational Training Center (MVTC) in Paynesville on the Somalia Drive.
“I am sure that you have been trained to be model African leaders, leaders that will put the interest of the people first and make their personal interests secondary; leaders that will be humble and honest to the people; leaders whose conduct will stimulate public trust and confidence in government and leaders who will respect the rule of law and protect the rights of the people”, the learned lawyer said.
He underscored the dire needs for leaders in Africa who will be passionate to solve the continent’s problems by being selfless and shun running after material acquisition that adds nothing to their legacy or what the people crave to bring changes to their life.
“Africa is looking for leaders who will not convert public money to their own and build big houses overnight or own a fleet of expensive vehicles or maintain a lifestyle in public office that they did not have before ascending to public office or cannot sustain after leaving public office. If you have been trained by this school to be the leaders that the African people are looking for, then begin today by your conduct in dealing with the people that you will meet today”.
Speaking on the topic, the IMPORTANCE OF GRADUATION, Cllr Gongloe told the graduates that upon receipt of their certificates or diplomas, the responsibility of their alma mater would have ended and the responsibility to defend their credentials will immediately begin, where after being trained to be leaders, specifically African leaders , they will be judged on whether they are the kinds of leaders that the people of Africa are looking for to fill the serious deficiency that Africa faces today. He stated that they can only answer this question positively by conducting themselves based on what they learned from the Young African Leadership Development Institute (YALD)”.
“In other words, do not prove that you are a trained African leader by showing your certificates to people you meet or by pointing to them in your office or in your home. Let the way you conduct yourselves after today make those who come in contact with you to respect and admire you.” he said.
He further told the young people that the best leadership is leadership by example, adding that if you are a true agent for change in the leadership for a better Africa, then show by example in everything you do from today. Quoting from Mahatma Gandhi, the leader of the struggle for India’s independence, “Be the Change that you want to see in the world”, noted that they have been prepared to be the leaders that Africa deserves.
“Your graduation today is clear evidence that you are now prepared to provide leadership for Africa. But the clearest evidence of your preparation will be the demonstration of what you have learned here. Congratulations and remember to lead by example”, the renowned human rights campaigner ended his speech.
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